TORONTO, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Blue Ant Media announces today a major expansion of its digital video network through an investment in Omnia Media, the 3rd largest music focused network on YouTube and a top 10 YouTube multi-channel network overall. This move combines Blue Ant's sales, content creation, broadcast and distribution expertise with Omnia's quickly growing roster of over 650 emerging and established musical artists and gamers. Blue Ant Media becomes the exclusive sales representative of Omnia Media's 550 million monthly digital video impressions and the preferred production partner for original content creation and brand integrations.

Blue Ant Media is one of Canada's largest independent media companies with a growing international business. The company creates and distributes content globally for targeted categories including music, lifestyle, nature and travel, engaging fans across television, digital, magazines and live events. Blue Antworks closely with brands to develop integrated and unique content marketing, social media and experiential programs focused around its communities of interest.

"Building on our existing dedicated YouTube content team in Toronto and our early global success in tablet content, our relationship with Omnia Media is the perfect next step in Blue Ant's digital growth," Raja Khanna, CEO, Television & Digital, Blue Ant Media. "Their size and hugely talented stars across many genres of music and gaming make them an ideal fit within our lifestyle categories. We look forward to working closely with their network of artists and creators to provide new opportunities to showcase their content and connect with our brand partners."

Blue Ant's investment will allow Omnia to provide new tools, enhanced marketing and new media opportunities for its growing roster of talent. Currently Omnia's network has over 40 million worldwide YouTube subscribers and 100 million fans through Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms. Omnia artists include Hopsin, The Weekend, Tyga, and Wycelf Jean. Beyond music, the company also has an expanding line-up of channels focused on the gaming category. Omnia will continue to operate independently out of its L.A. office.

"Our relationship with Blue Ant Media allows us to offer our creators an amazing opportunity to expand their reach and monetize their content through new, direct relationships with brands," said Tamoor Shafi, CEO, Omnia Media. "We're continuing to look for great new talent to work with and help develop hit content that will make them stars on and off YouTube."

Blue Ant Media is a privately held media company that creates and distributes content internationally in categories that span lifestyle, travel, music, nature, and documentary. The company owns and operates 11 media brands including Cottage Life, AUX, Smithsonian Channel Canada, and Oasis. Blue Ant publishes its content across its television, mobile, web and magazine properties. It also produces experiential events and consumer shows built around its areas of focus. Blue Ant Media is based in Toronto and recently made an investment in Omnia Media, a YouTube video network operating in Los Angeles. BlueAntMedia.ca

Omnia Media is a premier YouTube video network focused on the music, gaming, and style categories. Omnia provides its roster of over 650 content creators the resources and guidance they need to grow their audiences and helps them monetize their work both on and off YouTube. Omniamedia.co